AQW 48547/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to review the use of Baker Days and School Development Days to ensure they are used effectively to support improvement and professional learning; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Answer:

As outlined in my TransformED First Annual Progress Report and Updated Delivery Plan, published in May 2026, the action to review the use of Baker Days and School Development Days is complete. An Executive summary of the outcome was published on the Department’s website in February 2026.

Work is now underway to implement the agreed proposals which will include updating Regulations and ensuring greater alignment of School Development Days in future years, which will create cost savings. There were no costs associated with the review.